Chief Nkana’s People to Receive Compensation

Following the collapse of the tailings dam at Sino-Metals’ Chambishi copper mine, some 50 million litres of waste containing concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals made their way from the mine into streams connecting to the Kafue River. 

Hundreds of farmers were affected, their fields destroyed, and the Kafue River contaminated. 

The spill raised alarm amongst authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, who called for help from experts and said the leak “is a crisis that threatens people and wildlife along the Kafue.” The government's top priority for the company responsible is compensation to the affected. 

Chief Nkana of Lufwanya District in the Copperbelt Province has also urged Sino Metals to compensate all the affected families.

The traditional leader said that following the contamination of the Kafue River and farming fields in Chambeshi and Kalulushi, farmers will not be able to harvest any of their produce.

He urged Sino-metals to follow the government’s instructions and compensate those affected by the spill.

Sokontwe Ward Councillor Lenox Kaseka added, “Those people who are affected have to be compensated, most especially the farmers.”

Sino Metals Assistant Chief Executive Officer Martin Amukusana has assured Chief Nkana that all the people affected by pollution will be compensated.

“Your Royal Highness, as a company, we stand firm to transparency, we commit ourselves to environmental responsibility, and we also commit ourselves to the community. This incident was not planned; we are putting adequate measures in place to ensure that the surrounding community is not inconvenienced in any way,” said Amukusana.

Following the breach, the government ordered the mining company to cease operations at three of its dams. It is now crucial that the company take total responsibility and deliver compensation as quickly as possible to those affected.